State Police investigate police shooting of Lafayette man

LaFAYETTE — State Police are investigating a fatal shooting Sunday that authorities said involved a suicidal man who was shot by a Lafayette police officer, officials said.

Harold J. Bastin, 34, of Lafayette, was armed with a handgun when he was shot by an unidentified Lafayette police officer outside a home at 306 Chateau Place, State Police Trooper Stephen Hammons said.

Lafayette police were responding to a call about an attempted suicide at 5:40 p.m. when they encountered an armed Bastin in the yard of a residence, who “engaged officers,” Hammons said. “An officer fired his weapon at Bastin fatally wounding him,” Hammons said. Bastin was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. No officers were injured and the case remains under investigation. The unidentified officer was placed on administrative leave, Lafayette Police Department spokesman Cpl. Paul Mouton said Monday.

Mouton said city police would make no further comments, referring questions to State Police.